The Woodland Outdoor Wanderers’ will hike the North Table Mountain Ecological Preserve Loop Trail outside of Oroville Saturday, April 20.  This 4.0 mile out and back hike is rated moderate with only a 534 foot gain in elevation.  This area is usually one of the best wildflower displays in Northern California. There will be a lot of people wanting to see the bloom, so we want to get an early start.

Created by ancient lava (basalt) flows, the approximately 3,300 acre North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve is an elevated basalt mesa with beautiful vistas of spring wildflowers, waterfalls, lava outcrops, and a rare type of vernal pool, called Northern Basalt Flow Vernal Pools. Typically fissures in the basalt soak up winter rains, forming seasonal streams and waterfalls. In a few places, however, the underlying basalt is impermeable to water forming a temporary pool. Soon to dry up after rains end, only specialized plants and animals adapted to this habitat can survive over time.

 Porta potties are available at the parking lot.  Dogs are allowed and must be kept on a leash at all times. Sturdy closed-toe footwear, water bottles, sunscreen, and a snack are advised when visiting the area. If you like to use trekking poles, please bring them along. There are a few rocky rises and declines along the trail. You can bring a lunch to eat on the hike or visit one of the restaurants in Oroville afterwards. The Hannums had a great lunch at Vallarta Grill after scouting the hike.

NOTE:  A CDFW Lands Pass must be in possession by each visitor who is 16 years of age or older, however, visitors who are in possession of a valid California hunting or fishing license in their name are exempt from this requirement. Lands passes may be purchased on-line, by phone at (800) 565-1458, or in-person at locations wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold. Big 5 Sporting Goods stores sell the passes.  The pass is $5.66.

Hikers will gather at the Woodland Presbyterian Church, 1324 Columbia Drive, at 7:30 a.m. for a 7:45 a.m. departure, following sign-in, a hike overview and carpooling arrangements. Directions will be provided for the 1 3/4 hour drive.  For more information, call (530) 312-0100.

The Woodland Outdoor Wanderers is a community-based organization open to all, and dedicated to introducing Yoloans to their natural and cultural environments, and to each other.  For more information email kathyjtrott@gmail.com